Heartworms are Hurtful, Fleas no Fun, Ticks are Terrible

 It’s time for the summer trifecta! No, it’s not a triathlon or a Spartan race. It’s heartworm disease, fleas, and ticks. Let’s talk about these pesky pests and what we can do to protect our animals.
There are three new species of mosquitoes that are invading Southern California. With our traditionally dry climate, we have lower numbers of mosquitoes than more humid areas of the United States. However, these new mosquitoes can survive in drought areas, and they are bringing heartworm disease into locations where we have not seen it before. They also bite during the day, which is different than most mosquitoes that are out only at dawn and dusk. Animals are bit by these mosquitoes and the microscopic heartworms travel to the heart and lungs. Fortunately, there are monthly heartworm preventatives that are 100% effective. We may be seeing more heartworm disease, but we have tools to prevent it.
Fleas are the next pest we have been seeing with more frequency. Fleas can carry tapeworms and can cause a flea allergy dermatitis, making your poor pup or kitty itchy and miserable. We have great products to treat for fleas, but it can take three months to eradicate a flea infestation. Prevention is a lot easier than eradication.
Ticks are found in more wooded areas, so a quick hike in the mountains or a weekend camping trip could expose you and your animals to ticks. Ticks carry a number of diseases like Lyme disease, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. The fleas products we recommend also protect against ticks, so one monthly preventative will cover both. My animals get a monthly heartworm and a monthly flea/tick preventative year round.
Call your veterinarian to get your animals protected. We have some great heartworm specials going on!
Stevenson Ranch Veterinary Center is located at 25832 Hemingway Ave. in Santa Clarita. For more information, please call 661-799-0655 and visit www.srvc.com.